Perhaps no team in the NKFBL is a greater example of how the league has become more knowledgeable with prospects than the Anchormen. Back in 2007 Billy (and possibly Deloras) showed a Red Sox bias when the team drafted Devern Hansack, Bryce Cox, Jason Place and (drumroll please) Edgar R. Martinez. While none of those players have (or will) help the Anchormen in the future, the same can not be said for their past two drafts. The team added solid SP’s Rick Porcello and Max Scherzer in 2008 and top prospect Jeremy Hellickson in 2009.
While the Anchormen’s current farm system is void of talent, the team is responsible for graduating 10 players over the past 3 seasons. Most notable of these graduates is Tim Lincecum, who Billy traded to Pat for Corey Hart, JJ Hardy and a 1st Rd Prospect Pick. Despite that trade not working out, the Anchormen still have some graduates that will play major roles now and in the future. Andrew McCutchen had a solid debut and could turn into a 20/20 player as soon as this season. Rick Porcello also had a very good debut in 2009, where he managed to earn ROY honors despite only being 22 yrs old. The team would be smart to keep both players and build around them for the future.
The real question surrounding the Anchormen is when will the team finally turn things around and start winning some games? The team has never finished above 500 and the long time fans wonder if things will ever change. “Why do we have to perform like the Pirates” remarked one distraught fan. “When are we going to realize that Cameron Maybin isn’t Alfonso Soriano” commented Anchormen fan Kyle Stamps. Billy will look to add some star power and start turning things around in the upcoming prospect draft where the Anchormen own the 3rd pick and will most likely choose whichever player the Pigeons pass on (Ackley or Chapman).
Top 5 Prospects:
1. Jeremy Hellickson SP TB
2. Isaac Davis 1B NYM
3. Jake Arrieta SP BAL
4. Andrew Lambo OF LAD
5. Adrian Cardenas 3B OAK
Top 5 Graduated Prospects:
1. Tim Lincecum 2007 Rd 2
2. Rick Porcello 2008 Rd 1
3. Andrew McCutchen 2007 Rd 2 (Trade)
4. Max Scherzer 2008 Rd 3
5. Carlos Gonzalez 2007 Rd 3
do we all really think Chapman is going that high?
ReplyDeletethere are a lot of question marks surrounding that guy...not the least of which is how long will it take Dusty to ruin his arm???
I like this post, I just have a problem with the poll.....
ReplyDeleteHow in God's name is Matt Holliday considered "above average" while Braun is considered a "stud."
Once again, I don't know if this is real baseball or just for fantasy, but i will make the argument for both.
For real baseball...
Holliday's WAR (wins above replacement) for the last 3 years is 8.0, 6.3, and 5.7.
Braun's is 3.2, 4.0, 4.8.
Even in Holliday's down year he posted a better WAR then Braun has ever done.
And if you are just looking at the bat...both players have posted a career wOBA of .400 exactly.
As for fantasy the 3 year splits for both players:
Holliday: 324/402/553; 28 HR; 111 RBI's; 107 Runs; 18 SB's
Braun: 307/363/570; 34 HR; 106 RBI's; 99 Runs; 16 SB's
OK Braun has more homers, but Holliday had a much higher average and OBP along with more stolen bases, RBI's and runs.
How is one of these considered a stud and another above average?
If we are talking real baseball, Holliday is no doubt about it, the better player (and it is not really all that close).
For fantasy the 2 have been pretty similar in value over the last 3 years; yeah, maybe Holliday's numbers were inflated somewhat with Coors, but he showed with STL last year that he can still hit with the best of them.
Don't get me wrong, I think Holliday is slightly overrated -- but to call him above average and Braun a stud is an abomination.
I'm thinking the Red Sox bias will rear it's ugly head again and Billy will go with the vastly overrated Casey Kelly.
ReplyDeleteTotes McGotes on both comments.
ReplyDeleteI too was confused as to Holliday being "above average". He's certainly better than above average. A better choice for that category would be someone like Carlos Lee or something. No? OR maybe just change the Category to "wicked good". haha
Also...is anyone more overrated than Casey Kelley right now? Yikes.
Knapp...where do you find those stats at? Pretty nice numbers you're throwing around there.
if you thought it was me labeling my player as a stud and holliday as above average, your wrong, I consider Holiday to be right around Braun, a little bit under him. I'd consider above average to be like a torii hunter
ReplyDeletehaha pat i knew it was brendan, and i knew you valued holliday higher... I think it was all i slight misunderstanding haha... one more question can I get a quick definition of a graduated prospect brendan... Is it someone you drafted that made it through the system and made it to the majors???
ReplyDeleteI was waiting for someone to ask about that haha. "Graduated Prospects" were guys that you brought up to the majors. It doesn't matter whether you drafted them, traded for them or picked them up. Jrad, Pat and I tried to look at past drafts/rosters/pickups, but obviously theres alot of room for error.
ReplyDelete